Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, a popular seaside destination where visitors can enjoy ocean breezes, coastal dining, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment and adventures on the water.
Located along Ventura's picturesque waterfront, Ventura Harbor Village offers plenty to do for a day trip or weekend getaway, from whale watching and kayaking to live music, outdoor movies, shopping and sunset dining.
Things to Do at Ventura Harbor Village This Summer
Visitors can spend the day exploring waterfront restaurants, wine tasting at Deep Sea, browsing locally owned specialty shops such as Rowen Boutique, visiting art galleries and enjoying sweet treats throughout the Village.
Outdoor activities are also a major attraction, with opportunities to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats and electric boats. Visitors can also book diving experiences and excursions to Channel Islands National Park.
For those looking to extend their coastal visit, nearby lodging options include Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor.
Free Summer Entertainment
Ventura Harbor Village is offering a lineup of free, family-friendly entertainment throughout summer 2026.
The summer schedule includes:
- Summer Sun DJ Sessions on Saturdays
- Tropical Steel Drum Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Harbor Happy Hour Hangouts on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Live bands, food and drink specials, shopping specials and a Happier Bingo Card during Harbor Happy Hour Hangouts
- Seaside Movie Nights on the Village Main Lawn on Saturday, August 22, and Saturday, September 19, at sunset
The combination of live entertainment, waterfront dining and harbor views makes the Village a popular spot for spending a summer afternoon or evening.
Summer Whale Watching From Ventura Harbor
Nature lovers can take summer whale-watching excursions departing from Ventura Harbor Village aboard Island Packers.
Summer cruises provide opportunities to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. Depending on conditions and luck, passengers may also encounter green sea turtles, mola mola and flying fish.
The excursions travel through the Santa Barbara Channel and along the Channel Islands, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience one of California's most spectacular marine environments.
Explore Channel Islands National Park
Ventura Harbor also serves as a gateway to Channel Islands National Park, with Island Packers offering transportation and excursions to the islands.
Adventure seekers can explore the Channel Islands by boat, kayak or on foot, with opportunities to experience the islands' rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Island Packers has also resumed year-round day trips to Santa Rosa Island, one of the five islands within Channel Islands National Park.
Santa Rosa Island Day Trips
Santa Rosa Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore several hiking trails and beaches that are accessible through Island Packers excursions.
Day-trip hiking opportunities include the Coastal Bluff Trail, Carrington Point and portions of Cherry Canyon Trail. Visitors can also enjoy access to Water Canyon Beach and Becher's Beach.
The approximately 12-hour Santa Rosa Island day trip includes a nature-led hike with an Island Packers naturalist. Weather permitting, the excursion may also include a visit to Painted Cave, one of the world's largest sea caves.
Wildlife sightings during crossings frequently include humpback, blue and fin whales, as well as dolphins and seabirds.
Santa Rosa Island day-trip fares listed in the announcement are:
- Adults: $99
- Seniors: $89
- Children: $77
Camping Trips to San Miguel Island
Island Packers is also launching seasonal camping trips to San Miguel Island, the westernmost and one of the most remote of the Channel Islands.
The island is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.
The Channel Islands and surrounding waters are home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 145 species found nowhere else on Earth. The Island Fox is among the species unique to the Channel Islands.
Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Visitors can learn more about the islands at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park in Ventura Harbor.
The visitor center features:
- Interactive exhibits
- Educational displays
- A bookstore
- A live tide pool with daily presentations
- An observation tower overlooking Ventura Harbor and the Channel Islands
- The 25-minute high-definition film Treasure in the Sea, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner
The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Waterfront Dining, Shopping and Relaxation
Beyond the outdoor adventures, Ventura Harbor Village offers waterfront restaurants, artisan boutiques, specialty retailers, art galleries and locally crafted gifts.
Visitors can spend an afternoon strolling along the harbor, enjoy a meal on a waterfront patio, shop at locally owned businesses or watch the sunset over the marina.
The Village also offers free parking Monday through Thursday, making it an option for visitors looking for a midweek coastal outing.
Plan a Summer Visit to Ventura Harbor Village
From whale watching and Channel Islands excursions to live entertainment, outdoor movies, dining and shopping, Ventura Harbor Village offers a variety of ways to experience Ventura's coastal lifestyle during summer 2026.
For the latest event schedules, activities, dining options, shopping information and harbor adventures, visit Ventura Harbor Village.
About Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is a seaside destination in Ventura County featuring waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, specialty retailers, family attractions, harbor cruises, recreational activities, seasonal festivals and year-round entertainment.
About Island Packers
Island Packers has served as the official boat concessionaire for Channel Islands National Park since 1968. The company provides transportation, wildlife cruises, educational excursions and island adventures to all five Channel Islands.
Island Packers offers year-round trips from Ventura Harbor to Channel Islands National Park. For schedules, rates and reservations, visit Island Packers or call (805) 642-1393.
Press Release, August 8, 2026, Susan Bejeckian/SA/SBPR